Flathead catfish are distinguished from their cousins the channel catfish by their flat heads, mottled brown body and yellow underbelly. Flathead fishing is often a matter of strategy and requires patience. Knowing a few simple tricks can improve your chances of landing a prize flathead.
Location
Flathead catfish like both running and clear water, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation, but will usually seek out some kind of cover. Good places to fish for flatheads include submerged logs, lone rocks, brush piles and trees whose roots hang over the edge of the water.
Bait
Unlike channel catfish, flathead catfish greatly prefer live bait, according to TheJump.net. Try small live baitfish, such as shad, minnows or bluegills. Live bait can be fished on a pole or suspended from a trot line. Keep live bait in a well-insulated cooler and add a small jug of frozen water to maintain the temperature, if needed.
Timing
Flathead catfish spawn during June and July in most states, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. Because of this, flatheads generally do not bite well during these months. Flatheads, especially large fish, are more active at night than during the day, although catfish can be caught at any time during the daylight hours.
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